Monte Carlo simulation of Zener pinning in two dimensions

The effect of second-phase particles on grain growth was simulated in two dimensions with the help of a Monte Carlo method. A wide range of particle surface fractions was considered, from 10(-4) to 10(-1). Particle unpinning from grain boundaries was only observed for small Volume fractions (f less than or equal to 2 x 10(-2)). The average size of the grains in the pinned microstructure was investigated as a function off and the fraction phi of particles interacting with the grain boundaries. The normalised stagnant grain size was found to scale with (phi f)(-1/2). These results are discussed in terms of the available non-random approaches of grain boundary pinning by particles. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.